Behavioral and sero prevalence survey of HIV 1 infection in Asosa, Benishangul –Gumuz national Regional state
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Date
2001-12
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
Measuring the occurrence of HIV infection is insufficient to make useful recommendations on
health education strategies for the population. We assessed high-risk behaviors for HIV
transmission in the general population and female sex workers, willingness for voluntary
counseling and testing and HIV prevalence among pregnant mothers. A cross-sectional study on
high-risk behavior among commercial sex workers and a random selection of the general male
and female population was conducted from March to April 2001 in Asossa town.
Simultaneously, anonymous unlinked surveillance for HIV was conducted in Asossa and
Bambasi town. Mean age at first marriage for the general population and commercial sex
workers was 18.9 and 15.2 years, respectively. [t=4.93; 95 % CI of 2.58-5.08]. Of 527 adults 67
(12.7%) engaged in commercial sex and 88 (16.7%) had non-regular sexual contacts in the 12
months prior to the survey. Mean age at which female sex workers first received money for
sexual intercourse was 18.4 years. Persistent use of condoms by female sex workers with paying
and non-paying client was 74% and 64.9% respectively. Knowledge on HIV prevention and
willingness to receive voluntary counseling and testing was very low in both commercial sex
workers and general population. HIV prevalence in Asossa town was 19.3% (34/176) and
outside of Asossa (including Bambasi) was 4.7% (4/85). For urban residence, highest HIV
prevalence was found in pregnant mothers of 15-19 years of age and only low income (<Birr
100) was significantly associated with HIV infection. High HIV prevalence found in Asossa
town may overestimate HIV prevalence in the general population since a concurrent behavioral
survey was conducted among commercial sex workers. Surveillance for HIV among pregnant
mothers should be repeated annually. HIV preventive messages may be especially directed to
low-income families. There is a need to increase HIV awareness in Benishangul-Gumuz.
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Behavioral and sero prevalence survey of HIV